Originally built in 1953 as a one-story office building, this modest structure
eventually became the home of Temple Beth-El. The dual use sanctuary/multi-purpose room (originally built as a large accounting room) became increasingly inadequate as the
congregation grew. The need for a larger gathering space and administrative offices also became apparent.
This addition features a dedicated sanctuary, seating 218, which can be expanded on
High Holidays and other occasions to accommodate over 600 congregants. A new
gathering space, several times larger than the original, and new administrative offices
were also part of the building program.
A landscaped courtyard and covered portico radiating from the sanctuary's east
wall create a powerful and embracing public entry.
The rusticated treatment of both the interior and exterior of the sanctuary's eastern
wall, featuring oversized rough-cut blocks, is reminiscent of Jerusalem's Wailing
Wall. A barrel vaulted skylight emanating from the floating planes of this wall
and reaching deep into the sanctuary, heightens the sanctuary and emphasizes the
traditional eastward focus of the ark towards Jerusalem.